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LIONHEART
The Grace Of A Dragonfly
Metalville
www.lionheartrock.com

Drummer Clive Edwards (ex-UFO), bassist Rocky Newton (MSG), guitarist Dennis Stratton (ex-IRON MAIDEN), guitarist Steve Mann (MSG) and vocalist Lee Small (ex-SHY) have been the nexus of U.K. Melodic Rock act LIONHEART since their 2017 release Second Nature.

In 2020, LIONHEART released their second effort together, The Reality of Miracles. The album made this reviewer's Top 10 for that year, and received a near perfect score. With the talent listed above, it's not hard to see why.

March 15, 2024 sees the release of LIONHEART's latest album The Grace of a Dragonfly. This time around the supergroup decided to produce a concept album. While the story centers around World War II, it is an anti-war album, while at the same time remembering those that fought for our freedom.

Find out more by watching our interview with Steve Mann HERE.

Steve Mann kicks off the ominous opening track "Declaration" with piercing keyboard tones that give way to Lee Small's reflective vocals. The chorus section kicks in with powerful five-part harmonies. Maybe it's Steve Mann or maybe it's Dennis Stratton that delivers a tight guitar solo during the break.

LIONHEART diverts from their concept a bit with a tale about the Bermuda Triangle on "Flight 19". The chorus is catchy as hell and displays the wide range of Small's vocals throughout. "V Is For Victory" is a potent anthem that builds with emotion.

They may not have been on the front lines of World War II, but history shows us the important roles that women played during that time period. LIONHEART acknowledges their efforts on the soulful track "This Is A Woman's War". Stratton's driving riffs and an air raid siren kick off the energetic track "The Longest Night".

The snap of Clive Edward's snare leads the charge on "Little Ships". From there Lee Small takes over with his dynamic vocal melodies. The rest of the band joins in on the chorus to create a choir of euphony. Clive & Steve trade licks during the breakdown. The album's title track "The Grace of a Dragonfly" is saved for the end. The song is energetic, compelling, and poignant.

You don't have to be a World War II buff or history buff to enjoy The Grace of a Dragonfly by LIONHEART. The album is packed with big hooks and choruses, driving bass lines and guitars, passionate vocals, and beautiful melodies. LIONHEART clearly holds the key to great AOR/Melodic Rock music, and The Grace of a Dragonfly is just another example of that.

4.8 Out Of 5.0

Related content:
2023 - Interview with LEE SMALL HERE
2022 - Interview with DENNIS STRATTON HERE
2022 - LIONHEART Second Nature [Reissue] review HERE